(Credits: Far Out / Desert Dust Recordings)
Leonard Cohen, the celebrated singer-songwriter, created a potent tequila cocktail he called ‘The Red Needle’ while staying in Needles, California, in 1975.
There’s a tendency to overhype rock and roll icons, we’ll admit. But Leonard Cohen always felt different—a poet who found his voice through song. He was renowned for his evocative lyrics and deeply resonant music. But even artists of his stature aren’t immune to the endless stream of trivial questions fans pose.
While not subjected to the same level of tabloid scrutiny as The Beatles or Nirvana, Cohen still faced his share of curious inquiries. It’s a natural impulse, this desire to understand our heroes, to believe that knowing their favorite restaurant might unlock some deeper understanding. But let’s be real: it won’t. It’ll just tell you their favorite restaurant.
The true gifts come when an artist shares something of substance, and thankfully, Cohen had plenty to offer. Often compared to Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, Cohen possessed a unique edge—a signature cocktail, if you will.
Created in 1975 while Cohen resided in Needles, California, ‘The Red Needle’ perfectly encapsulated the artist’s complex persona: sharp, potent, and capable of leaving a lasting impression. It was a drink as unforgettable as the man himself.
Cohen’s influence continues to resonate long after his death in 2016, following the release of his fourteenth studio album, You Want It Darker. His legacy was further cemented with the posthumous release of Thanks For The Dance in 2019, which garnered critical acclaim.
A pivotal figure in the cultural landscape, Cohen was deeply connected to both New York City and his spiritual faith. He spent a significant portion of his life in the city, and in 2023, The Jewish Museum in New York City honored his remarkable impact on society and music.
The exhibit, titled Leonard Cohen: A Crack in Everything, featured immersive installations inspired by Cohen’s work, including video projections of his drawings and a multimedia gallery showcasing covers of his songs by artists like Feist, The National, and Sufjan Stevens.
In a fitting tribute, the museum bar even served ‘The Red Needle,’ offering visitors a taste of Cohen’s signature concoction. The recipe, detailed below, is not for the faint of heart.
Leonard Cohen’s Cocktail Recipe:
Into a tall glass about half full of crushed ice, pour and drop:
60ml Tequila (2oz)
1 slice lemon
Fill the glass to the top with Cranberry Juice
Cheers to ‘The Red Needle’!
